In this beautifully written book, Clint Smith leads us on a tour of the monuments and landmarks that tell the story of slavery in America. Smith transports us to locations like Monticello, the Whitney Plantation, and Angola Prison, painting a picture of both the present and the past. He brings these locations to life through interviews with people he encounters on his journey, deep historical research, and his own reflections on how he experiences each location.

Additional Resources

If you don't have time to read the book, check out one of these videos or podcast episodes and join the discussion.

The New York Times Book Review Podcast – June 25, 2021
The first 30 minutes of this podcast episode feature an interview with the author Clint Smith about How the Word is Passed.

A Reckoning with the History of Slavery in the U.S.: Author Clint Smith | Amanpour and Company
This interview provides a brief introduction to the book. (17 min)

Slavery in America: The Constitution to Reconstruction with Clint Smith
This extensive interview from the National Constitution Center provides an overview of the entire book. (53 minutes)

Book Details

Title: How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America   Publication Date: 27-Dec-2022 Author 1: Clint Smith   Our Review

In Subversive Witness, Dominique DuBois Gilliard inspires readers to reimagine how they think about privilege and exercise power. Instead of denying the existence of privilege or feeling incapacitated by it, Christians can learn to wield privilege subversively as an instrument to advance the kingdom and sacrificially love our neighbors, particularly those who have been disenfranchised by the abuse of power.

Dominique illustrates how the faithful witness of biblical figures, from Esther to Zacchaeus, provides a blueprint for modern believers who desire to pick up the baton as drum majors of justice. By embodying Scripture's subversive call to leverage – and at times forsake – privilege, readers will learn to love their neighbors sacrificially, enact systemic change, and grow more Christlike as citizens of God's kingdom.

If you're not a reader, or if you want to dig in even deeper, check out one of these excellent interviews with the author and join us for the discussion.

• Perkins Fall Series: Subversive Witness - YouTube
• Holy Post Podcast – Episode 485 (Interview begins at 53:32)
• Be the Bridge Podcast – Episode 35

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In an effort to bridge the canyon of misunderstanding, insensitivity, and hurt, Mark Vroegop writes about the practice of lament, which he defines as “the biblical language of empathy and exile, perseverance and protest.” Encouraging you to “weep with those who weep” (Rom. 12:15), Vroegop invites you to mourn with him over the brokenness that has caused division and to use lament to begin the journey toward a diverse and united church.

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